Thank you for sharing your deep concern about the Conservative government's interference with the
Department of Foreign Affairs` training manual on torture. Any form of torture, regardless of the parties
involved, is absolutely unacceptable.
The decision by Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier to remove references to Israel and the United
States from his Department’s training manual on torture is appalling. Amnesty International and other
reputable human rights organizations have long recognized that torture is practiced by state officials in both
of these countries. Minister Bernier cites the importance of Israel and the United States as Canada's allies
as the principal reason for making these changes to the manual. It is our belief that Foreign Affairs should
not be asked to alter statements of fact in its documents - whether for training or policy purposes - for
politically-expedient ends, such as the protection of state allies.
The findings of the Maher Arar inquiry revealed that the manuals of Foreign Affairs and various law
enforcement agencies were incomplete or contained errors relating to countries where torture is believed to
be practiced. Canada, as a signatory to international laws and covenants, is obligated to protect Canadians
and all others from torture and cruel or inhumane punishment.
The bottom line is simple: the Conservative government's foreign policy should not act as a filter for Foreign
Affairs officials' statements about the realities in international affairs.
Again, thank you for your efforts to stand up for human rights. All the best.
Sincerely,
Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth)
Leader, Canada’s New Democrats
The following is a copy of the e-mail I received from Canadian MP Jack Layton (NDP).
Sent: Friday, January 25, 2008
Subject: The NDP on torture awareness training manual